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In this exquisite set of methodical laboratory investigations, researchers tested whether adenosine might play a pivotal role in the analgesic effects associated with acupuncture. Their results suggest that the search for a mechanism of action behind this traditional therapy may be near its end.
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Results of this 8-week clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG) in reducing the frequency and severity of pain in children with irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain. Benefits persisted for 8 weeks after cessation of treatment. Additionally, small intestinal permeability was decreased in children with IBS treated with LGG.
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Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was investigated as an intervention for fibromyalgia patients in a 3-armed randomized controlled trial using health-related quality of life at the end of 2 months as the primary outcome. While the study did not support the efficacy of MBSR for the treatment of FM for this outcome, some secondary outcome variables demonstrated improvement.
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Salvia is back in the news, but is well known to healer's through the ages.
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A review article examining the potential adverse effects of energy drinks on kids generated a lot of buzz recently in the lay media. The beverage industry countered with information of its own, but the research referenced in the journal article lays out a solid foundation against the drinking of energy drinks, especially in children.
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The results of this well-done study suggest that a specific formulation of echinacea may offer modest benefit to people with the common cold, but that such benefit is statistically, and likely clinically, insignificant. Data from the trial relating to physician-patient interaction and clinical response have yet to be published.
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Findings of this ground-breaking randomized controlled trial suggest that patients with irritable bowel syndrome who receive treatment with placebo tablets, and who are fully aware that they are taking a placebo, have significantly greater relief of symptoms compared with patients who receive no treatment at all. Accessing the placebo effect may not require deception at all.
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Glucosamine sulfate continues to grow in popularity as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Global sales reached almost $2 billion in 2008, an increase of 60 percent over the previous five years.
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An evaluation of medical research by the IOM establishes new RDAs for vitamin D (600-800 IU) and calcium (700-1300 milligrams).
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Marine n-3 PUFAs act as pleiotropic agents on the cardiovascular system with a diverse range of effects most of which are beneficial for patients with known cardiovascular disease and possibly, they may even have beneficial effects with regard to the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
